The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador's Residence in Washington

Description

Since opening its doors in 1930, the British Ambassador's Residence has been considered the premier diplomatic address in Washington, D.C. A cross between an English country house and a neo- Palladian plantation, the Residence is a compelling but often overlooked example of the work of architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. His only building in the United States, its majestic interiors and gardens in the English style have been making their mark on Washington's social and political elite for over eighty years. In this book Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings explore both the genius of Lutyens' design and the rich history of Anglo-American relations that has unfolded within its walls. Through significant world events, and the skill of successive ambassadors, this building became the forum that helped forge and then embody the "special relationship" between the two countries. From Winston Churchill's rambunctious visits during the Second World War, to the dark days of Vietnam, and the rejuvenation of the relationship during the Thatcher/Reagan period, this book takes the reader deep behind the scenes. The end result is an intimate and fascinating history, featuring previously untold stories about visiting royalty, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and even the Beatles.

ANTONY SELDON is a historian and one of Britain's most distinguished political commentators. His published work includes the leading biographies of Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major. DANIEL COLLINGS is a political historian and director of U.S. research for Margaret Thatcher's authorized biography. He is based in Washington. ERIC SANDER's photographs have been published in numerous magazines worldwide, including Smithsonian, Life, Time, Newsweek, Le Figaro Magazine and Point de Vue, and in more than fifteen books.

"...photography that lavishly illustrates the house and its extensive gardens, this book leads the reader behind the elegant gates on Massachusetts Avenue deep into the corridors of power. The book combines a masterful account of the history of the house and gardens with previously untold stories of visiting royalty, presidents, prime ministers and celebrities, to show why this Residence, its architecture and gardens occupy such a special place in the diplomatic history of the United Kingdom in the United States. I've been fortunate to visit the Embassy and it is as spectacular as this sublime book shows. If you're a Brit in America, or an American in the UK, this book should have a place in your collection." -PoliticsandStyle Blog "With a forward by HRH The Prince of Wales, the book not only delves into the great architecture and work behind Lutyens' design but also the untold stories of important events from the past and people who visited throughout history." -Veranda "With many dozens of historical photos of politicians and statesmen, as well as beautiful contemporary shots of the building's interior, exterior, and gardens, this is the book to whet the whimsies of anyone who cares a whit about history, architecture, Anglo-American diplomacy, gardening, and exactly how to do a perfect coffee-table book." -Foreword Reviews "Written by historian Anthony Seldon and Daniel Collings with photographs by Eric Sander, the book offers a fascinating history of the home and an in-depth look at how Lutyen's plan took shape." -Home&Design "...an astonishing new book that has recently been released...the book contains inspirational images that won't disappoint: definitely add this tome to your design library!" -ArchitectDesign.blogspot "...full of lavishly produced photographs of the building, its private spaces and its English gardens..." -Dallas News "The lavishly illustrated Architecture of Diplomacy is both a design and historical delight..." -Array